BRADENTON - BeallsOutlets are supposed to look bare bones, a role that helps cement the chain's bargain image. But many stores have deteriorated enough to overplay the part.

So the Bradenton-based chain of 473 stores spread over 14 Sunbelt states is getting the first overhaul in its 20 year-history.

"We had been growing sales for years simply by adding new categories of merchandise, which resulted in a lot of clutter," said Conrad Szymanski, who took over as president of the outlet division a year ago. "So we're taking steps to enhance the customer shopping experience."

Beall's Inc., the family-owned parent that also operates the 82-store Beall's department store chain, had to do something.

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